Joey Porter To Be on the Cleveland Browns Next Season?

A name that became quite familiar in Cleveland over the last decade, unfortunately on the wrong side of the ball, is rapidly approaching the end of his stay in Miami.

Joey Porter, the former trash-talking Steeler every Cleveland fan loved to hate, could very well find himself on the shores of Lake Erie again.

After attempting to release him and his hefty contract of $4.8 million, the Miami Dolphins met some financial issues, placing themselves $600,000 over the salary cap. So by default, Porter had to stay on another few weeks.

It's now a waiting game, since after several disputes with head coach Tony Sparano, Porter has fallen out of his good graces and is now expected to be released on March 5 instead. For those who don't know, that's the date when the NFL enters an expected uncapped year.

Why on Earth would Cleveland want a player responsible for so much misery in this town for so many years?

It’s simple, it’s all about attitude. He may not be the nicest guy, but with a newly emerging young defense, his veteran leadership would be invaluable in creating a hard-nosed new identity.

Obviously past his prime, the attitude he carries onto the field with him makes up for his diminishing skills. In 2008, he made the Pro Bowl for the fourth time, but fell off this past season. Porter had a rough season agreeably. He had his up’s and down’s due to injuries but still led the team with nine sacks. His tackles were down, but in Cleveland, a man who can get to the passer consistently would be a blessing.

Lining him up across from Kamerion Wimbley would make the opposing offensive line have to be accountable for both men, creating havoc from the front seven.

Porter is a system-orientated player and will be looking to find a fit with a 3-4 defense, where he's most comfortable. With 13 teams currently running that scheme, Porter's familiarity with the AFC North, and potentially wanting a crack at his former team—the Browns—would be the ideal place.

With a new front office that is more willing to take on players with attitudes and issues, it's entirely possible the Browns may have found themselves a new linebacker next season.